CHAPTER XI
                  KIAPHAS THE DRACONIAN

     Merri stormed into the sacred grove, her anger plain upon her
face.  The druids scattered before her, having been warned of her  
approach.  Merri understood this.  What's more, she didn't care.
     She reached the altar and with a sweep of her hand knocked it 
clean, scattering the votive candles on the ground.  Drawing her 
dagger, she wrapped her left hand around the blade, cutting into 
her tender flesh, evoking a crimson ribbon of blood.  She let her 
blood drip onto the alter, where it pooled and mingled with the
melted wax from centuries of devotions.
     "Show yourself, or by my soul, I'll forsake you and all your
kind!" She vowed.  Instantly, Shani appeared, the serenity of her
divine features marred by the signs of anger.
     "Mortal, you know not what you do.  Dare you commit such
blasphemy?" She demanded, "I am the goddess of nature.  Forget not 
that nature can be harsh, as easily as it can be gentle!  I will
forgive you this once, in consideration of what you have been 
through, but do not try my patience further."
     "Don't lecture me!" Merri spat, "Why did you send Marse to
his death?"
     "Marse chose his path.  As have you."
     "I didn't ask for this!"  
     "You have made your decision.  You cannot turn back now."
     "You think I don't know that?  That's the only reason I'm
still here.  Now, answer my question!  Why did you send Marse to
become the living dead?"
     "I did not, child!  Marse lives, as fully and completely as
you do."
     "That's not possible!  I saw him die!"
     "You only saw half of the truth." The goddess cautioned, "It
is true that he died... and yet, he did not die."
     "How.." Merri began, before the goddess interrupted.
     "There are many things beyond your understanding.  You should
feel honored, my child, for you have been the sole witness to a
true resurrection."  That caught Merri off her gaurd.
     "Resurrection?" The goddess nodded.
     "Indeed.  Fear not, this was not unforseen."
     "You might have given me some warning!" Merri complained,
"And just how did this happen?  I thought resurrection was 
impossible?"
     "It is true that not even We can restore true life to the
dead.  However... there were special circumstances.  When Marse
sacrificed himself, his life and that of the elf were mingled
with the power of the Stone.  The spell that the elf was weaving
was a success, but not in the way he intended."
     "He became mortal, then." 
     "Yes.  For all the good it did him, in the end, he was as
mortal as you."
     "Why was all this necessary?" Merri asked, exasperated, "Why 
can't you gods just play your games and leave us poor mortals alone?"
     "Would you truly like that, child?" Shani asked, "Would you
like a world without gods?  Do you honestly think your kind would
survive without our guidance?"  Merri thought about that for a
second, and sighed, letting her anger escape with her breath.
     "No, no, you're right.  I...I am sorry.  I just don't like
feeling like I'm being used."
     "But you are being used, child.  That is what it means to be
a Paladin.  I grant you my favor, and you do my will."
     "But I never asked to be a Paladin!"
     "You had no choice.  Only the Champion can reach the Altar,
and only a Paladin of the Order of Light may be the Champion."
     "Then I suppose I am consigned to serving you."  Merri
sighed in resignation to her fate.  Shani smiled down at her.
     "Do not think so poorly of it.  What freedom you lose in
choice you gain in surety of righteousness."
     "You mean, I should be happy to be relieved of the burden of
deciding right from wrong, because you will do it for me?"
     "That is a pleasing way to view it, yes."  Merri frowned.
     "That sounds a lot like what that Sorcerer said, back in
Hurshtown."  Shani's face grew hard and cold.
     "Do not mock me so!  You tread dangerous ground, mortal.  Do
not think that my patience is infinite." The goddess visibly calmed 
herself.  Your next task begins now.  You will travel to Asero, where 
you will report in with your Guild.  There you will find a new 
applicant, a Draconian, who will seek your aid.  By helping him, your 
further your own quest.  Now go, and do not blaspheme in this way 
again!"  Without waiting for a response, the goddess vanished.

     A few weeks later, Merri emerged from a ship onto her native
soil.  Despite the events of the past months, Merri felt her
spirits lifting, as they always did when she returned to her
homeland.  Unfortunately, this time she was not simply returning
for a pleasurable visit.  From the harbor where she left the
ship, she shouldered her way through the exotic throng that was
characteristic of the port city of Sorvas.
     Everywhere she looked, she could see the cultural variety
for which her nation was reknowned.  Questions of race seemed to 
have little or no importance in Asero.  Elves and Humans, Dwarves 
and Ogres, and even the occasional Draconian or Fairy could be seen,
all busy and mixing freely.  Pushing her way through the crowded 
streets took a couple of hours' effort, but she finally reached her 
Guild's Main Office.  She was very familiar with this building, having
made it the center of her career as a warrior, but even first-time 
visitors had no trouble finding the Guild.  With its seven floors and 
flags of all nations flying from its rooftop, the building dominated 
the cityscape, towering even above the Triumvirate's Palace.  Most 
people found this appropriate, since the Guild provided a major portion 
of the city's economy.  People traveled for distant corners of the 
Realms to register here and undertake adventures, for fortune and 
glory.  
     After taking a moment to revel in the familiar, comforting 
plainness of the building, Merri stepped through the front arcade, and 
proceeded to the registry.  Behind the counter was an old, wrinkled 
dwarf, who smiled and asked if she required assistance.
     "Yes, I'm looking for a draconian.  I believe he recently
registered.  I am a member in good standing with the Guild;
Merrideth Doomslayer."  The dwarf sighed and clambered down from
his chair to check the registry.  After flipping through several
files, he came across the ones he was looking for.
     "Doomslayer... Ah, here we are.  There are four here.  Which
did you say you were?"
     "Merrideth."
     "Yes, the fighter.  Hmm, you have an impressive amount of
information here.  You like to keep busy, don't you?"
     "I suppose I do." Merri smiled in return, "Now, please, could 
you tell me if a draconian has registered here recently?  It concerns 
a quest." She added, hoping to impart some measure of her own urgency
to the dwarf.  The Registrar, however, continued at his own pace.
     "A quest?  How interesting.  One of ours?"
     "I only wish.  Guild quests are less frustrating!" The dwarf
chuckled.
     "That's not what you usually say!" He glanced over the list of 
recent registrants, "There have been a few draconians through here, 
but the only new registrant is named Kiaphas.  Says here that he's 
looking for someone to help him 'reclaim his homeland'.  He's staying 
here, on the third floor, room eighteen.  You know I can't give you a 
key, but..."
     "I know, I can wait in the hall.  Thanks, you've been a great 
help."
     "No problem.  It's what I get paid for, and why you pay your
dues."  Merri smiled and left to wait for her quarry, and the
dwarf climbed back into his chair, awaiting his next client.
     It was fortunate for Merri that draconians are among the
least common of races.  Even in a place as diverse as the Guild,
they were rare enough to stand out.  Merri climbed the stairs to
the third floor, and knocked on the door to room eighteen. 
Receiving no answer, she resigned herself to waiting, and leaned
against the wall.  Just over an hour later, she heard a voice
calling from the stairwell.
     "Ho, there!  Are you looking for me?"  The speaker was, doubtlessly,
the man she was looking for.  He was a draconian, with glistening red
scales covering his head, and a pattern of green and red covering
his arms, which were the only other parts of him visible.  He was
attired in a simple brown shirt, dark leather vest and pants, and
he stood taller than Merri at just over six feet.  His most
arresting quality, however, was his eyes.  They were a sparkling
ruby red, split down the middle by a vertical pupil.  
     "Are you Kiaphas?"  Merri asked, almost rhetorically.  The
draconian nodded, the corner of his maw wrinkling upward.
     "Yes.  Tell me, do you always hang about other people's doors?"
     "Not always." Merri admitted, "But I was sent here to find you,
and..."
     "Ah, then you are here to help me?  How wonderful!"  He
interrupted excitedly, "Tell me, which goddess sent you?  Was it
Ils?  Or perhaps Orial herself!  I've been praying for deliverance 
for weeks now!  You can't believe the calamity that has befallen my 
people!"
     "What?  What befell your people?" Finally managed to put in,
when Kiaphas had to pause for breath.
     "Someone has managed to enslave them again.  We were
helpless to resist."  He looked askance at Merri and she nodded
for him to explain.  "As you know, my people maintain good
relations with all our neighbors, including the masters of the
deep who dwell nearby.  Well, several weeks ago, an envoy of
Great Serpents came to the surface, which usually signifies that
Archelon or the Kraken have news or goods they wish to barter.  This
time, however, they came bearing something sinister.  On the back
of the largest Serpent, there rode a strange being, with hard,
purple skin that looked like a scabbed-over bruise, and billowing
white hair.  
     "He brought with him several chests, which he deposited on
the beach.  Thinking he had goods to trade, we sent a party down
to meet him.  I was momentarily free of duties, so I was chosen
to lead the party.  As soon as we came into sight, he flung open
the first chest.  Inside was a crawling mass of large insects,
and when the light hit them, they took wing.  They were on us 
before we had time to react, and by the time we recognized them
as Nitch Beatles, we'd already been infested.  
     "If you've ever had one on you, you can understand how we
felt.  There was that itch, faint but maddening, where the insect
was nesting, and that strange apathy toward removing it.  I tried
to make myself reach up and pluck it off of my skin, but every
time, I found myself standing there, unable to remember what I'd
been doing.  
     "We were so busy worrying about the beatles that we'd all but
forgotten about our strange visitor.  The creature on the beach drew 
forth a glowing blue gem, and clutched his hand around it, so tightly
that his fist was outlined in a pale blue radiance.  I was struck by  
a sudden lethargy, and I just stood there, staring blindly ahead as
he approached us.  He ordered us to lead us back to our homecaves.
We had no choice, all thought but obedience was impossible.
     "We led him inside, and the Nitch Beatles swarmed after us. 
Once inside, they spread throughout the caves, infecting
everyone.  As soon as a person would start to itch, they'd come
with us, until damn near the entire island was following.  He
made us take him to the old throne room, where Balan the Accursed
once ruled us.  He ordered us to repair the destroyed throne,
and we all set to work.  Soon the cursed throne was righted, and
the thing took its seat.  It spoke to us, knowing that we could
hear, but not react.  
     "He said: 'I am your new god.  From the far North I am, a
Norn.  You will serve me as you served Balan before me.  Your
thoughts will be only of serving me.  Do not attempt to fight my
power.  It is futile, and you will be crushed.'  He was right, 
resisting his control was impossible.  We were once again enslaved
to one man's will.  It was only through a fortunate coincidence 
that I was able to escape.
     "I was sent to the shore to gather the mosses that grow
there, which my people, and apparently Abigor, find good to eat. 
I had gathered as much moss as I could reasonably carry, when the
compulsion to gather left me.  I felt a horrible burning itch on
the back of my head, and, reaching back, I found that I was
bleeding slightly.  Feeling along my neck up to my forehead, I
located the Beetle and pulled it out.  It was very dead, with
its body torn in half.  Then I noticed the sea-gulls in a frenzy
over my head.  I offered up what was left of the Beetle, and one
of the gulls snatched it from my hand, devouring it rapidly.  I
was somewhat dizzy, thinking for myself for the first time in
days, but I offered thanks to Ils, Uls, Els, and Tur together
that I was free.  One of those damned beetles tried to attach
itself to me, but it was picked off in mid-flight by the gulls,
and no other tried afterward.  Gathering the moss I had into a
make-shift basket from some nearby broad-leafed trees, I grew
wings and left the island, hoping that I could return with help. 
I came here to find that help, since it was the Adventurer's
Guild that had freed my people so many years ago."
     "Did you find help?"  Kiaphas frowned.
     "No, I found forms to fill out, and registration to
complete.  My task will be sent to be evaluated, it will be
assigned a certain difficulty, and a party will be formed to
handle it... in a month or so.  Which doesn't help my people
now."
     "I understand.  The Guild does have a bureaucracy problem." 
Kiaphas snorted.
     "No, they seem to like bureaucracy just fine. I'm the one
who has the problem with it.  That aside, however, you are here,
and you are going to help, yes?"
     "I believe that's what I was sent to do.  I have to admit,
I can't see how, though.  Just the two of us together will have a
hard time."
     "Well, two together is better than one alone.  You do not
look like a cleric.  You are a Paladin, then?  You say you were
sent by a goddess, but you never said which one."
     "Shani, and yes, I am, for the moment, a Paladin."
     "Shani?  I'm not familiar with her.  She isn't among the
children of Orial, is she?"
     "No, she is not one of your Western gods.  She is the
goddess of nature, one of the three Daughters of Evan."
     "Oh, I see.  My prayers are been answered in a strange
manner, it seems.  But come, we must hurry.  I shudder to think
what my people suffer under the rule of that hideous Norn."
     "Wait!  Perhaps we could hire a party from the Guild, so
long as we're here." He shook his head.
     "I thought of that already, my lady.  I'm afraid the Guild
doesn't have anyone free for at least a week.  That's why I was
waiting here."  Merri sighed.
     "Then I guess it is just the two of us.  Well, I've faced
worse before."
     "Really?"  Kiaphas looked at her with great surprise. 
"When?"  They walked downstairs while Merri told him about the
time she and her sister had been assigned to help a village being
overrun by kataanes--scrawny, hairy humanoids with a taste for
human flesh--and found themselves facing not only a pack of
kataanes, which would have been fairly simple, but a Jann and an
A'war as well.  With the serpent-man and cyclops to deal with,
the task became much more difficult, especially when they
discovered that the attacks were being organized from a nearby
cave-system.  The intelligence behind the attacks turned out to
be a vampire, who was collecting a veritable army of the undead,
preparing to destroy a dragon who was hoarding nearby, whom the
vampire perceived as a threat.  They managed to strike a deal
with the dragon--not an easy task itself--and with the dragon's
help, they destroyed the vampire and his followers.  
     As she told this tale, they headed for the docks, to try and
charter a ship.  Kiaphas explained that while he could grow wings
and fly, the extra weight of a second person would be too much
for the long flight.  It was shortly after sunset when they found
a captain willing to make the trip for a reasonable sum.  They
were in the midst of negotiating a deal with the man when Kiaphas
wandered off.
     "Hey!" Merri yelled to him.  "Sorry about this.  I'll be
right back," She told the captain, as she ran after the wayward
draconian.  She followed him into an alley, where she lost sight 
of him.  She walked a few meters farther into the alley and was 
grabbed from behind and wrestled to the ground.     
     To her surprise, it was Kiaphas who was holding her down. 
Another figure stepped into the alley.
     "Greetings.  I am correct in assuming that I have the
pleasure of speaking to Merrideth Doomslayer?  Yes, I recognize
you from our last meeting.  Do you, perhaps, remember me?"  Merri
couldn't see the face, but the voice was familiar.  "Let's see if
I can refresh your memory.  The last time you saw me, you interupted
my sleep and tried to emasculate me.  You certainly do like to move 
around, don't you?  It's taken me months to track you down."  Merri 
didn't bother responding, and no response was expected.  "Now, why 
don't you give me a good reason why I shouldn't simply kill you?"
     "What do you want?" 
     "Revenge.  However, I have been known to settle for large
amounts of money instead.  Since you've come here, I assume
you've completed a quest for your Guild.  If so, your portion of
the payment would probably cover any harsh feelings I might have
towards you."
     "I didn't get paid anything.  I'm not on a quest for the
Guild."
     "Do you really think you're in a position for lying?  Not that 
it matters.  With my new friend here holding you, I can search you 
easily."  The thief stepped closer, coming into view.  Merri was 
puzzled to see that he was wearing a diamond-studded tiara on his 
head.  Fashion sense aside, Agnon rummaged through her pockets, 
coming up with her coinpurse.  "That's it?  What did they send you 
to do, rescue a cat from a tree?"
     "I told you, I wasn't on Guild business.  I came to meet
Kiaphas."
     "Kiaphas?  Oh, the draconian.  Look, I want compensation,
and I want it now.  Or would you prefer that I have the lizard
here rip your arms out?"  Agnon checked her pockets again, this
time searching for any loose valuables she might be carrying.  He
came up with several small blades, and another pouch.  He opened
the pouch, and saw the Stone inside.  His eyes lit with greed. 
"So, you don't have anything of value?  What's this, then?" 
Merri didn't answer.  She had her head bowed, speaking softly
under her breath.  "It's warm to the touch, and it glows.  Is it
magical?"  Merri was still whispering with her eyes closed. 
"Well, answer me!"  
     "It is more so than you could begin to understand."  Shani
spoke, her radiance dispelling the darkness of the alley.  "I
will show you how it works."  She placed her hand on the crystal
and then touched her finger to Agnon's head.  A look of wonder
and awe slowly crossed his face, and he fell to his knees. 
Kiaphas awoke from his stupor and released Merri, shaking his
head to clear it. 
     "Great Orial, not again!  What am I, cursed?" He exclaimed. 
Shani smiled.  
     "Though you are not one of my followers, may blessings be
with you, good Kiaphas.  You were being controlled by the Diamond
Tiara of Arisa, the Serpent Queen.  You need not fear being
ensorceled by Agnon again.  He has had a sudden change of heart." 
She watched Merri regain her feet.  "Merri, it is pleasing to see
that you feel differently about accepting my aid.  When you leave
for New Altia, you should take Agnon with you.  I think you will
find that he is eager to make amends for past faults."
     "I don't feel differently."  She grabbed the Stone from
Agnon.  "I'll take that, thank you.  I still don't like you and
your kind jerking me around.  However, since I'm stuck being your
Paladin, I might as well get some use out of it."  Almost as an
afterthought, Merri felt compelled to add, as quietly as
possible, "Thanks for saving me."  Shani accepted this with
diplomacy, and faded from view again.  Merri turned to Kiaphas. 
"Come on, we still have a ship to catch.  If, that is, you think
you can stand still this time?"  Kiaphas ruefully nodded.  They
returned once more to the harbor, where the captain was still
waiting patiently.  Agnon followed silently behind them.    
     Merri finished her arrangements, including passage for their
new companion.  When the captain mentioned payment, She reached
for her coinpurse, and didn't find it.  Agnon sheepishly returned
it to her, and she paid the captain.  The captain could spare
only one cabin, and with the three of them it would be more than
a little cramped.  However, as his was the only ship leaving for
New Altia for several days, they were grateful for what they
could get.  This voyage passed much more smoothly for Merri than
her previous one, especially since none of her companions were
prone to sea-sickness.  During the trip, Merri traded anecdotes
with Kiaphas.  Agnon hardly spoke three words together, except to
apologize.  He seemed preoccupied with his own thoughts.  
     Towards the end of their trip, Merri began noticing a
gradual change in Agnon.  He slowly became less apologetic, and
became somewhat more involved in conversations.  When they were
only a few days from Altia, he finally broke down.
     "Hells blast it, why don't I hate you?  I remember being 
furious with you, and why, but I can't do anything about it!"  
He frowned, his brows drawing together.  "What am I doing here?  
What the Hells have you done to me?"
     "I didn't do anything." Merri protested.  "Shani did
something with the Stone."  A look of remembrance dawned on his
face.
     "Now I recall.  She touched me, and I suddenly felt...
guilty."  He shifted uncomfortably at the memory.  "That's never
happened to me before.  After that, I just felt that I had to 
help you, to make up for my past actions."
     "You feel differently now?"
     "Yes... No... I don't know!  When your goddess screws with
someone's head, she doesn't fool around, does she?  I can't kill
you.  I know that's what I want to do, but I can't for fear of
that damned guilty feeling."  Kiaphas spoke up.
     "I think I can solve your little moral quandary.  You 
mentioned settling for cash.  If you forgo killing Merri, I will
personally pay her ransom to you, all right?  Besides which, I'm
sure we can arrange some sort of compensation for your services. 
My people are, after all, a nation of buisnessmen."  Agnon
considered it.  After a few minutes of contemplation, he smiled.
     "Just how much are we talking?"  They fell to haggling
over the ransom, and Agnon's self-image was saved.

     A few days later they arrived at the island of Altia.  The
island was composed of a single giant formation of black rock,
much of which was covered with vegetation of some sort.  The
island was bored through with caves and tunnels, where the
draconians made their homes.  Merri was impressed with the
knowledge that the entire island had been raised from the ocean
floor by one man's magic, the same man who had created the
draconians to be his worshipers.  They disembarked with the
captain, who had some cargo he wanted to sell.  Kiaphas had
warned him that there wouldn't be anyone to greet him, but he
discounted that idea.  After all, the draconians were well known
for their love of trade.  The second they set foot on the island,
several large insects flew towards them.  Recognizing the Nitch
Beetles, they dove underwater to escape them, returning to the
ship. 
     "Well, I suppose I owe you an apology."  The captain told
Kiaphas when they were safely back aboard.  "I didn't believe
you, but it looks like you were right."
     "Anyone know how we can get past the bugs?"  Kiaphas asked. 
"I don't really like the idea of being controlled a third time."
     "Well," the captain offered, "I have some extra canvas that
we use for patching the sails.  Nitch Beetles only lodge in that
one spot, right?  Behind the ear?"
     "Or comparable sensory organ." Kiaphas nodded.
     "Well, if you wrap your head in canvas, they won't be able
to bother you." 
     "Are you sure we can wrap the cloth that tightly?  I don't
want to take any chances, as you perhaps can understand."
     "We should be able to work something."  The captain assured
him, and we set about finding the canvas. 
     "You know," the captain said as they gathered the cloth and
cut it into strips, "I've never understood why Nitch Beetles are
such a nuisance.  I mean, can't you just reach up and pull the
blasted thing out?  It might bleed, I guess, but it's better than
having it sucking your blood."  Merri and Kiaphas gave him an
amused look.
     "Never had one on you, have you?" Merri asked.
     "Well, no." He admitted.
     "You can't pull it out.  You might want to, and it seems
like it would be easy enough, but you just can't do it.  Every
time you try, you just forget that it's there.  If not for that
blasted itch, you might never remember it.  About the only way to
get it off is to find someone else to pull it off for you."
     "But why is it so difficult?"  Merri shrugged.
     "Who knows?  Maybe some sort of natural sorcery.  That might
be why this Norn fellow is using them.  But again, who knows?"
     Outfitted with their new head-gear, they made a second
attempt to land on the island.  The captain, not surprisingly,
decided to remain onboard this time.  The insects swarmed at
them, but couldn't penetrate the closely-wrapped canvas.  
     "Remember," Merri said, her voice muffled by the wrappings,
"We're just going to look around for the moment.  Kiaphas, I know
you're anxious to help your people, but don't go doing anything
stupid.  We're slightly outnumbered here, and I doubt if you'd
want to kill--or be killed by--your own kind."  Kiaphas nodded
stiffly, and they continued.  Agnon took the lead, citing his
considerable experience with entering a structure undetected. 
Kiaphas pointed out that, while Agnon was indisputably the better
at stealth, only he was a native, and his knowledge would be much
more valuable.  Muttering something too softly to be understood,
Agnon yielded the lead to Kiaphas.
     Kiaphas rewarded them several minutes later, as he led them
to a little used entrance to the homecaves, half covered with
brush and in disrepair.
     "This used to lead to some of the better caves, but there
was an unfortunate accident which collapsed much of the area. 
Since then, the fallen caves haven't been repaired, and the area
was abandoned in favor of more stable regions," Kiaphas
explained, "We should be able to get in this way unseen."  They
followed him through a series of tunnels, which had branches or
openings leading away from them at regular intervals.  They could
see that some of the branches had indeed collapsed, several close
together.  Merri could see from one half-collapsed chamber that
some of the fallen-in areas were dwellings.  She wondered, but
didn't ask, if the inhabitants had made it out.  The Nitch
Beetles eventually lost interest, and one by one they left,
seeking more accessible targets.  They finally reached an
intersection with a larger corridor, and Kiaphas motioned them to
stop.
     "From here on there are probably going to be people
traveling the halls.  We need to be more..."  Kiaphas looked
around in confusion.  "Where's Agnon?"  Not seeing the thief
either, Merri uttered some very choice words.  They retraced
their steps, with Merri swearing at Agnon the entire way.  
     Just as they were reaching the opening through which they
had entered, they were surprised by several draconians who came
running down the tunnel after them.  Turning to flee, Merri found
herself tackled by her companion.
     "What the hells are you doing?" she yelled, just as Agnon
stepped into the tunnel, his canvas-wrapped head crowned with his
tiara.  The scene was too familiar for Merri's tastes.
     "Sorry about that, Merrideth," Agnon said, actually sounding
apologetic, "But I didn't want you doing something to get
yourself hurt."  Kiaphas released her, and they both stood. 
Agnon turned to Kiaphas.  "I'm also sorry that my control is
affecting you.  It's not a very precise thing, I'm afraid."
     "Have you lost your mind, thief?"  Merri asked, angrily,
"What do you thing you're doing?"
     "What I came here to do, of course, helping you.  With this
tiara I can exert control over any reptile, including the
draconians.  This makes the odds more even, since there isn't an
army of draconians against us anymore."
     "All right, let's get this over with.  I don't imagine
Kiaphas is going to be pleased with you."
     "No, but I'm sure he'll forgive me once his people are
freed.  Come on, I've summoned these to be our escort."  With the
half-dozen draconians leading the way, they once again descended
into the homecaves, picking up extra followers on the way.  The
draconians led them to a central chamber, where the being Kiaphas
had described was seated on his obsidian throne, his hand
gripping a blue stone.  Merri's eyes first went eagerly to the
Stone, and then took in the rest of the room.  The scene before
her was a study in depravity, spawned by a jaded, twisted mind. 
     Some draconians were dancing and dueling for Abigor's
amusement, while others were serving him food and wine.  While
they watched, one of the duelers finally managed to run the other
through, and he stood over his victim, awaiting Abigor's further
command.  Abigor looked bored with these entertainments, and
proceeded to pair them off, forcing them to commit horrid acts of
violence or lust for his voyeuristic delight.  
     "Sweet Shani."  Merri said, her voice barely a whisper as
she turned her face from the perversion being committed.  Even
so, her words echoed through the chamber.  The Norn looked to
her, and laughed.  When he spoke, Merri could barely understand
his words.  His speech had a strange, lilting quality to it, and
he put odd stress on the hard consonants.
     "Your pathetic little woodland goddess cannot help you now,
I'm afraid.  Elder powers hold sway here, elder gods."
     "By the Light of Evan, this evil ends now!"  Merri swore. 
Abigor continued laughing, until he ordered his servants to
attack her.  He abruptly stopped when he realized that not one of
them had moved to obey.
     "Merri, I can keep them from moving, but this close to him,
I can't control them."  Agnon whispered.
     "Just keep them from interfering.  I'll see to Abigor."
Merri replied grimly, as she drew her sword and stepped fully
into the chamber.
     "So, human, you think you can kill me with that?" the Norn
taunted.
     "It's worked for me so far."
     "Yes, but that is because you have never tried to kill one
of my kind.  I am a Norn, foolish human.  If my sisters could not
kill me, you are not likely to have more luck."
     "I make my own luck."  Merri stated flatly, drawing closer. 
The purple being stood still, while Merri thrust her sword at
him.  Her sword rang as though it had struck stone, and Merri saw
that, aside from a few chips of crusted skin that had flaked off,
she hadn't harmed him.
     "My turn is now, yes?" the Norn laughed, drawing back and
delivering a massive punch to Merri's chest, sending her flying
across the room to slide into a wall.  Much to his surprise, she
slowly regained her feet.  "I am much impressed, human.  Perhaps
you southern-born are a more hardy lot than those in the north."
     "Oh, I'm just full of surprises," Merri gasped.  Raising her
sword again, she charged full tilt at an unmoving Abigor.  This
time, her sword tip penetrated into his flesh, drawing a thick,
puss-like fluid.  Abigor's face remained impassive.  He reached
down and took hold of the sword blade, pulling it from his
stomach.  With a quick jerk and twist, he wrenched the sword from
her grasp and tossed it aside.  As Merri watched, astonished, the
wound closed over.  Abigor grabbed her, lifted her over his head,
and threw her forcefully against the wall.  Merri heard a crunch,
and felt several of her bones shatter.  The agony drove her into
unconsciousness, and she passed out.  
     "Well, hardier you may be, but smarter you are not."  Abigor
pronounced, returning to his throne.  He didn't even notice
Agnon, who remained where he was, struggling to maintain his hold
on the draconians.  
     From the pouch where she kept it, Merri's Stone began to
vibrate, emitting a soft, harmonic tone.  The symbols on Merri's
hand flared to life, and her hand, apparently of its own accord,
reached over on its shattered limb to retrieve the Stone from
the pouch.  Energy coursed through her body, drawing shattered
bones back together and repairing torn muscles.  Moments later,
it was Abigor's turn to be astonished as a healed Merri stood to
face him once more.
     "So, human, I see you have a Stone also.  That explains
much.  The question is, do you know how to use it?  Have you
uncovered the secret of the Stones?"  He rose from his throne,
and began walking toward her.  When he came too close, the hand
Merri was gripping the Stone in flew up without her direction,
and opened, palm-up.  As Merri watched in amazement, the Stone
slid itself across her hand to the topmost point of the
sextagram on her palm, where it intersected with the circle.  
Once at this point, the Stone's power flowed through the pattern, 
tracing a path along the six-pointed star.  When the star was fully
illuminated, her hand closed in a spasm-like motion, and a beam
of pure, raw magic blasted from her clutched hand to strike
Abigor full in the chest.  The force of this attack knocked him
to the ground, and the backlash pressed Merri against the wall
behind her.  Abigor was only stunned for a moment before he was
back on his feet.
     "Very good." The Norn nodded, his strange accent growing
thicker, "Good indeed.  But if it is damage you wish to be doing,
perhaps this you should try, yes?"  He pointed his fist toward
her, throwing a concentrated pulse of blue fire toward her. 
Instantly, her hand flew up once more, the Stone igniting the
circle in the pattern.  Just as the bolt of flame was about to
impact, it was repulsed by a shining white field of energy, which
surrounded Merri on all sides.  Abigor was disappointed.  "Oh,
drat.  I had hoped that would kill you."  
     This began a duel between them, with Abigor attacking and
defending in turns, and Merri--or perhaps more precisely, her
Stone--responding, mostly by instinct.  So intent were they on
this battle that neither noticed when their draconian audience
left.  Agnon, sensing that Abigor's attention was divided, made
an increased effort and managed to control the draconians enough
to make them leave.  Meanwhile, Abigor took to the air, floating
on a cloud of blue fog, hoping that he could better attack from
an elevated position.  Within moments, Merri, too, had been
lifted into the air, her body outlined in white.  Aerial
maneuvering was neither's forte, but they both soon grasped the
basic principles.  They began circling, diving, and swooping to
dodge the energy beams they projected at each other.  
     When Agnon judged that the battle was sufficiently intense
and all other draconians were distant enough, he removed his
tiara.  Kiaphas, beside him, fell to the ground and began dizzily
trying to clear his head.  He shot a hate filled look at Agnon,
who held up his hand to forestall an argument.
     "I already said I was sorry, though you may not have heard
it at the time.  For now, however, you may want to see what you
could do about him."  Agnon pointed to the flying Norn.  The
draconian reluctantly nodded.  
     "You're right.  But don't think I'll forget this!" Kiaphas
warned.  He stepped out into the chamber, tumbling to the side to
avoid an errant blast.  Once in the chamber, he stood with his
arms spread, looking much like an elaborate scarecrow, with his
canvas-covered head.  He soon lost that resemblance, as the air
around him became hazy, and his flesh began to twist and expand. 
Soon, the draconian had completed the transformation, his large,
leathery wings extending from his back, his forelimbs becoming
thicker, less like arms and more like the forelegs of his wyvern
ancestors.  His jaws and neck elongated, tearing through the
canvas, and a tail extended from his body, sharp spines pushing
up through his back.  "ABIGOR!"  He screamed, his voice now deep
as thunder.  Kiaphas rose from the ground to join in the melee,
his long, forked tongue flicking out to caress the air.  Abigor
ignored him, concentrating his attention on the deadly white
light Merri was throwing at him.  This only served to enrage
Kiaphas all the more.
     Kiaphas had little room to maneuver, and his not-quite
wyvern body didn't have the skill at flying that a true wyvern's
would.  Fortunately, his target wasn't paying attention to him. 
Abigor, having dodged the latest burst from his opponent, was
preparing to return fire when he found himself caught in the jaws
of a very angry transformed draconian.  While even the iron-hard
teeth Kiaphas now possessed couldn't penetrate the thick, crusted
skin of the Norn, the tremendous pressure his jaws were placing
on Abigor was a source of considerable pain.  The Norn generated
a blue field of energy around himself, then expanded it
forcefully, causing a sickening cracking noise in Kiaphas's jaws
and knocking him from the air.  However, as soon as he was free
of Kiaphas, Merri laid into him, forgoing the energy projections
in favor of smashing into him, her fists extended and a focused,
glaring white energy field surrounding them.  Taking the Norn by
surprise, she slammed him into the wall, making a large
indentation in the rock of the walls and in the purple crust of
his skin.  Seeing that the gaping wound in his back was closing
even as she watched, Merri plunged her hand, Stone clasped
tightly, into the wound.  Abigor screamed, then quieted as the
wound closed around Merri's hand.  The Norn chuckled darkly.
     "You will never be able to pull your hand from within me."
He warned, "My flesh is too strong, and you are but a human."
     "That assumes that I intend to pull my hand out of your body
while it's still in one piece."  Merri answered, sending a pulse
of energy through the Stone.  For a moment, nothing happened. 
Abigor laughed.
     "You see?  I cannot so easily be... urk!"  Abigor choked
and, even while pressed firmly into the wall, attempted to curl
up.  Cracks began to form in his skin, pouring forth brilliant
light.  "No!  I am a Norn!  I am Abigor!  I am..."  He broke off
as his body was ripped apart.
     "Dead." Merri finished for him, her wrist still encased in a
large chunk of his skin.  She floated slowly to the ground, and
the white glow surrounding her vanished, leaving her feeling
empty and tired.  Taking her fist and smacking it hard against
the rock, she finally managed to chip away the ring of crust,
though her hand was still coated with the puss-like blood of the
Norn.  Sorting through the viscera, she located his hand, still
intact, curled in a fist around the Stone she was seeking.  Merri
found that she couldn't open the hand, and she was too worn from
her battle to try to pry it open with her sword, which she
spotted lying in the corner, far out of her reach.  Then she
remembered Kiaphas, and the sickening cracking noise that had
accompanied his fall.  
     Kiaphas was still where he'd fallen, but he had returned to
his normal shape.  Agnon was standing over him, waiting for him
to regain consciousness.  Merri wearily pulled herself to him.
     "How is he?" she asked.  Agnon shrugged.
     "I'm not a doctor or a cleric, but I could swear that his
jaw isn't broken anymore.  In fact, aside from the fact that he's
unconscious, I can't see anything wrong with him."
     "Tell you what, since the only threat on the island is in a
lot of very small pieces, how about if you stay here and wait for
him to wake up."
     "What are you going to do?"
     "Well, let's say that you can wait for me to wake up, too."
     "Oh, I see.  Your friend could be near death, and you want
to take a nap.  Friends like you are a real comfort, you know
that?"
     "Let me put it this way, thief.  I'm so tired, I'm not even
going to make you pay for that comment.  I've been flying around
and throwing energy at that damn purple thing, and, while it does
have a certain... exhilaration to it, it has taken more out of me
than I want to describe.  Now please, let me rest, Okay?"
     "Sure, whatever.  And I didn't just engage in a battle of
wills with that self same purple-skinned bastard?  You don't
think that was just slightly exhausting?"
     "Fine, I'll stay awake, Shenegal take you.  Hang on a
second, and I'll get the second Stone while we wait... unless you
have another guilt trip you'd like me to take?"  Agnon held his
tongue, which was most likely the wisest thing to do, considering
that he wished to keep it.  Merri laboriously dragged herself
back to the clutched hand, carrying it to where her sword had
been thrown.  Kneeling, she used her sword to pry the hand open,
though she feared she'd need to sharpen her blade later.  Just
like cracking a nut, she though wearily, picking up the treasure
inside.  
     As she grasped the Stone, her exhaustion left her.  Indeed,
not only was she no longer tired, she was filled with energy, and
the other Stone awakened also, replenishing its charge and adding
to the power rippling through her.  Her body was awash in a
delicious languor, and the simple act of standing filled her with
pleasure.  Warmth, serenity, and calm flowed over her, and it was
only through a supreme effort of will that she placed the Stones
in their pouch, causing the power rush to gradually fade.  Still
groggy from the experience, she staggered drunkenly back to where
Kiaphas was awakening.
     "Uls's Blood," he swore, "I feel like someone's sent me
through a winepress.  I assume, since I'm thinking on my own,
that you killed Abigor?"  Merri nodded, and then Kiaphas noted
the spattered remnants of the would-be god.  "Oh, I see.  Well, I
have to give you credit for being thorough.  Remind me not to get
you mad at me."  He tried to stand, but fell back to the ground.
     "Are you all right?" Agnon asked, almost sounding genuinely
concerned, "I couldn't find any broken bones, though it sounded
like your jaw was cracked."  Kiaphas rubbed his chin, and nodded.
     "It was.  One of the benefits of being able to shape-shift
is that you can repair most damage very quickly, just by changing
shape.  When I lost consciousness, my body returned to this
shape, healing the broken bones in the process.  It doesn't do
much for the ache afterward, though.  I hurt all over, I don't
mind telling you that."  Agnon glanced at Merri.
     "You don't look tired anymore.  I though you were dying to
get some sleep?"
     "Me?  Nah, I feel great!"  Merri closed her eyes,
remembering the feeling.  "Mmmm.... yeah, I think I can live
without sleeping for a while yet."  Agnon was about to inquire
about this when the conversation was interrupted by the return of
the draconians, who were quite jubilant at having been freed. 
Agnon's eyes lit up as he reminded Kiaphas of their bargain.
     "Of course," Kiaphas replied, "The word of a draconian is
inviolable.  However, I have another deal for you.  Just to be
certain that this doesn't happen again, I think it might be best
if that tiara of yours remained here."
     "The Tiara?  No way in any Hell.  You have no idea how long
it took me to steal this."
     "Yes I do. It came from the main hall of the Mage's Guild in
Hurshtown.  I wonder... what would the Mage's Guild do to a
certain thief if it was known that the tiara they were displaying
was a fake..."  Kiaphas trailed off, leaving the rest to Agnon's
imagination.
     "Blast you, that's extortion!"  Kiaphas smiled.
     "I know.  But don't worry.  My people are traders, remember? 
I'm certain we could come to an... arrangement."  That cunning,
crafty look crossed Agnon's face once more.
     "Just how much are we talking here?"  He asked warily, but
Kiaphas asked him to postpone the haggling for later.  Meanwhile,
the draconians had set to work already, two of them shape-
shifting to full size to crush the obsidian throne, this time,
hopefully, destroying it beyond repair.  That vital task
completed, they turned to Merri, Agnon, and Kiaphas, and cheered
them as the saviors of their race.  An elderly draconian with
emerald head-scales and eyes stepped forward.
     "Hail, great adventurers!  I am Talmurgeon, and I speak for
all my people.  I bid you thanks for what you have done. 
Whatever reward you seek, it is yours."  Merri laughed.
     "Be careful how you say that.  You might find Agnon here
taking the scales off your back!"  This sparked a moment of
laughter all around.  "But I have what I came for.  I require
nothing beyond that."
     "Very well, but, please, allow us to have a feast, in your
honor."
     "I'm afraid not, good sir, for I have a greater quest that I
am bound to finish, and time is short.  However..."
     "Yes?"
     "There is a ship waiting for us.  It would please me if you
were to buy the captain's goods at something more than the price
you'd normally pay.  It is well known that, while your prices are
fair, it is difficult to come out the victor in a bargain with
your people."
     "It is true that we have a gift for our work, yes." 
Talmurgeon agreed, the sides of his mouth lifting into a smile,
"Very well, we will be more... gentle with this man.  Is there
anything else?"  Agnon cleared his throat, and Kiaphas stepped
forward.
     "Yes, actually, I think my friend here would like for me to
make good on my promises.  We've already worked out a price for
his services, and I'm certain the treasury can bear it."  He
stepped forward to speak more privately to the elder draconian. 
"There is another matter we need to take care of with him.  He
has an item in his possession that can control all of our kind." 
Talmurgeon's eyes widened,  "It was this that he used to fight
the Norn's power over us.  He has agreed to sell it to us.  I
think we should give him a very good price for it."  Talmurgeon
nodded.
     "It will be so," he declared, "Agnon, we will give you the
reward you have been promised."  He called two younger draconians
over, and sent them running through the tunnels.  Several minutes
later, they returned bearing a massive chest between them.  They
set the chest down, and Agnon's ears detected the rattling of
coins inside.  They opened the chest, revealing a veritable
mountain of gold and silver coins.  At a motion from Talmurgeon,
the two young draconians began shoveling coins into bags.  When
four of the bags were filled, the brought them to Agnon.  Kiaphas
explained to Agnon.
     "This is the price we agreed on, plus the ransom for Merri's
life.  We are willing to pay as much again if you will give us
the Tiara."  So stunned was he by the sight of the wealth before
him, Agnon agreed without bothering to argue about the price. 
Talmurgeon nodded, and the process of shoveling coins was
repeated.  Agnon handed the Tiara to Kiaphas, who buried it in
the coins of the treasury.  Then the somewhat lighter chest was
returned to it's resting place deep within the homecaves.  
     "Well, thief, is there enough there to satisfy your greed?" 
Agnon didn't answer, still dazzled by the volume of wealth he'd
suddenly acquired.  Merri, ever mindful of her quest, took her
leave of Talmurgeon, though he expressed his people's sadness
that she would not stay.  As she turned to leave, Kiaphas placed
his hand on her shoulder, holding her still.
     "Merri, I wish to thank you personally for what you have
done.  I know that you only did it to further your quest, but to
me, why you did it is less important than the fact that it was
done.  If you would have me, I would like to repay the favor to
you."  Agnon stepped forward at this.
     "I, uh, I would like to accompany you, too, at least for a
little while longer.  My grudge with you has been more than
settled, but I'd still like to make atonement for... other things
that I have done."  He shook his head, somewhat disgusted with
himself.  "That blasted guilt thing again."
     "Well,"  Merri replied slowly, thinking, "I can't really see
any reason that I should object.  The only problem is with you,
Agnon.  I don't really trust you."  Agnon gave her a wry smile.
     "I'd be more worried if you did trust me.  I don't even
trust me.  Besides, where's your sense of adventure?  At least
with me at your back, you won't get bored."  Merri snorted in
amusement.
     "I don't think I'll let you anywhere near my back, but if
you wish to come with me, so be it."  
     They returned to the ship together, where the captain
greeted them with enthusiasm.  They confirmed that the draconians
were free, and he could sell his goods at his leisure.  The
captain immediately began giving order to unload the cargo holds. 
Thanking them, the captain allowed them to return to their
quarters, where Merri finally did settle into her bunk.  Her eyes
slid shut and she slipped into a dark and peaceful oblivion.